According to Al Jazeera, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken a firm stance on the ongoing ceasefire negotiations, making it clear that he will not compromise on the issue of an Israeli presence in the Philadelphi Corridor, even if it means no deal with Hamas.
According to a report by Times of Israel, citing Channel 12, Netanyahu has not budged on this demand despite being told by Israel’s hostage-ceasefire negotiators that “It’s either Philadelphi or a deal.”
The negotiators informed Netanyahu that they had managed to bring the US mediators closer to Israel’s positions and demands on most issues, including crucial matters such as the number of living hostages to be released in the first phase of the deal and the mechanism regarding the Palestinian security prisoners who would go free. However, they reportedly told the prime minister that they are certain the issue of an ongoing IDF presence on the Philadelphi Corridor is a deal-breaker.
The mediators, including the US, Egypt, and Qatar, are said to view Israel’s demand for an ongoing presence at the Gaza-Egypt border as an indication that Netanyahu is not truly interested in a deal and are not prepared to press Hamas with full force to accept it. The negotiators stressed that compromise is needed and that there are “security solutions” that would allow an IDF withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor.
Netanyahu reportedly responded by stating that Philadelphi is not merely a security issue but a strategic one, as a temporary withdrawal can become permanent. He emphasized the importance of Israel controlling all border crossings and access to the Gaza Strip from all directions as a matter of strategic importance.
The negotiators insisted that if Netanyahu maintains this stance, there would be no deal, and they have nothing to work with. Netanyahu then said he was prepared to discuss how the troops would be deployed but not to compromise on the fundamental imperative for them to be present. He made it clear that if Hamas continues to insist on a full IDF withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor, there will be no deal.
The report adds that Secretary of State Antony Blinken will be meeting with Netanyahu on the core issues of the deal tomorrow, and efforts are ongoing with the Egyptians to explore potential flexibility on the matter….Vìêw–Morê